What’s “Monkey Bread”?
Monkey Bread is the perfect indulgence for any occasion, offering a soft, sticky, and irresistibly sweet experience that everyone will love. This pull-apart treat comes together effortlessly from cookie dough, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Covered in a luscious cinnamon-sugar glaze and caramelized to perfection, every bite is pure comfort and sure to win over any crowd. The warm, gooey layers pull apart easily, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every piece. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a weekend brunch, or as a sweet finish to a meal, Monkey Bread is guaranteed to be a hit with its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Why this Monkey Bread?
You will fall head over heels for Monkey Bread simply because:
- Easy and convenient: Preparing chilled cookie dough is child’s play, so you can skip the hassle and dive straight into the fun, enjoying every bite!
- Ideal for groups: Monkey bread is a fantastic choice to share at breakfasts or family gatherings.
- Totally customizable: Personalize it by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for this Monkey Bread:
- 30 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (non-flaky)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup butter, melted
How to make this Easy Monkey Bread?
Step 1: Prepare oven and pan
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Carefully grease a cake tin with non-stick spray, ensuring that all the cracks are well coated to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cut and cover the dough
- Open the cookie tins and cut each cookie into quarters using a knife or kitchen scissors.
- In a large resealable bag, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Add half the cookie pieces to the bag, seal, and shake thoroughly to coat evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Arrange the coated pieces in the prepared cake tin, distributing them evenly. Repeat with the remaining cookie pieces.
Step 3: Create the icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the cookie pieces stacked in the pan.
Step 4: Baking
- Place the cake tin in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the middle is fully cooked.
- If the top browns too quickly while the middle is undercooked, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Cool and serve
- Once the monkey bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully turn the pan upside down onto a serving plate to release the bread. Serve hot, and enjoy separating the gooey, caramelized slices!
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect Monkey Bread:
- Choose the right cookies: Choose buttermilk cookies rather than puff pastry to prevent the layers from separating during baking.
- Check the center: Use a toothpick or skewer to test the center of the bread; if the center comes out raw, extend the baking time by a few minutes.
- Avoid over-browning: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan lightly with aluminum foil to protect it.
- Grease generously: Spray your cake tin with non-stick spray, paying particular attention to the center tube, to ease removal from the pan.
Pairing ideas:
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate – For a cozy drink pairing.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – For an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh Fruit – To balance the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream – For a creamy contrast.
- Nutella or Chocolate Sauce – For extra decadence.
- Yogurt – For a tangy side.
- Bacon or Sausages – For a savory complement.
Tools:
- Bundt Pan
- Knife or Scissors
- Zip-Top Bag
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Non-Stick Spray
- Toothpick or Skewer
- Aluminum Foil
- Serving Plate
Enjoy your delicious Monkey Bread!
Frequently asked questions:
Q: How Should I Store Leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Is it possible to substitute homemade dough for canned dough??
A: Absolutely! While canned dough saves time, you can use homemade biscuits or yeast dough for a more traditional version.
Q: Is it possible to make this Monkey Bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the bread in the bundt pan the night before, cover it securely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, allow it to reach room temperature before baking, or increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Monkey Bread
Notes
Ingredients:
- 30 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (non-flaky)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Spray a bundt pan generously with non-stick spray to ensure the Monkey Bread releases easily after baking.
- Cut the cookies into quarters. In a large zip-top bag, mix cinnamon and sugar. Add half of the cookie pieces, seal the bag, and shake until they are evenly coated. Arrange the coated pieces in the prepared bundt pan. Repeat with the remaining cookie pieces, layering them in the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the cookie pieces, making sure each piece is covered for maximum sweetness.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Let the Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully invert it onto a serving dish. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness!